The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties for recruiting violations. Multiple media outlets report LSU has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA.
“That means the penalties depending on what the violations are will be coming soon and LSU is really going to get some kind of penalties,” said Glenn Guilbeau, who covers LSU and the SEC for outkick.com.
Guilbeau says we don’t know the exact allegations yet, but in 2017 Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on an FBI wiretap discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart.
In 2019, LSU suspended Wade for its postseason run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Guilbeau says Wade returned as head coach for the 2019-2020 season, but his contract was amended.
“He agreed to some conditions to his contract, one of which says he can be fired with cause, meaning he gets none of the money owed to him, if he’s even investigated for level one or level two, now we don’t know that yet, all we know is that they got a notice of violations, we don’t know what level, minor or major,” said Guilbeau.
If LSU is facing major violations Guilbeau says the clock is likely winding down on Wade’s time in Baton Rouge, despite his on-court success. Especially if athletic director Scott Woodward can mitigate the program’s punishment by firing Wade.
“It may help LSU’s probation down the road, if they let him go, sometimes that’s how it works, if a school releases a coach, it softens their penalties.
Now that LSU has received an NOA, they have a period of time to respond, then the NCAA responds and eventually, there’s a hearing. So we are looking at several more months before a resolution.
LSU responded to the reports of the school receiving a Notice of Allegations. Here is there response:
“Per NCAA rules and procedures, LSU is unable to comment on any aspect of the ongoing case. We will continue to cooperate fully with the IARP as we work together toward a resolution.”
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